Inheriting a Property and benefits

[ed9500]

My husband has been made redundant from his job and has applied to the benefits office for jobskeekers allowance among other things. We have been lucky enough up until now to never have claimed anything in the way of benefits. His father recently passed away and left us a quarter share of his home. My husband is not an executor of the will, so therefore has no say in what happens to it. He mentioned this to the benefits people who are now asking for details of outgoings of the property, whether the others will buy him out etc. Can anyone advise what will happen to us with regard to this?

[factor-fiction]

The fact that your husband wasn't an executor doesn't matter- it's the fact that he has a share of the assets that seems to matter.
I am not aware though that jobseekers allowance is dependent on savings but I can see it might be affected by rental income. It may also be that the DWP are seeing whether other benefits are due.
Anyway, the info requested by the DWP will need to be provided as quickly as you can.

[ed9500]

Thank you for the answer.

[buildersmate]

As far as I know, Contribution-based JSA is paid irrespective of other income (but is nevertheless taxable income, if one earns enough). Income-based JSA may be paid when one is entitled to the other JSA and is basically a means-tested benefit.
Contribution-based JSA is paid when enough NI has been paid in the relevant period in the jobseeker - it is an entitlement.

[buildersmate]

4th line.
... when one is NOT entitled to .......

[ed9500]

I have now been told that because we have a quarter share in this property, it will affect council tax benefit as well.

I just dont understand it, we cant do anything with the property, cant rent it as it is not in a suitable condition, its 120 miles away, and the others dont want to sell it which I can quite understand.

My husband is doing his best to find another job, because we dont want to have to claim anything, but I really didnt expect this. We can't eat the house.....

[factor-fiction]

I wonder how the DWP would deal with this if you were to permanently give away your right to a share.
Or have you considered selling your share to the other three? Or buying out their shares and then selling the property?

[tamborine]

The DWP are greedy bukkers....tell them the prop needs full renovation that cannot be completed till suitable funds are available......any rubbish to fob 'em off and get your dues off them. Then get your share bought out by siblings - in cash - run off to Spain & buy a villa.